Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [72]
It’s worth noting that some guests find the patriotism of The American Adventure a little heavy-handed. There seem to be two primary reactions to the show—some people weep through it and some people sleep through it. Most of our readers rate it as one of the best attractions in Epcot.
Reflections of China
Another lovely 360-degree film. But again, it’s not an easy attraction to view with young children.
Maelstrom
In this Norwegian boat ride, your Viking ship sails through fjords and storms, over waterfalls, and past a threatening three-headed troll—all within four minutes. You disembark in a North Sea coastal village, where a short film is presented. (If you want to skip the film, no biggie … just keep on walking through the theater. Most families do.) The adjacent Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe is one of the best places in the World Showcase for a quick snack or lunch.
The Scare Factor
Maelstrom sounds terrifying but the reality is much tamer than the ride description. The much-touted “backward plunge over a waterfall” is so subtle that passengers in the front of the boat are not even aware of the impending doom. The darkness and the troll put off some preschoolers but the ride is generally fine for kids 5 and up.
Hidden Mickey
Check out the mural of Vikings in the line before you board Maelstrom. One of the guys in the ship is wearing mouse ears!
Gran Fiesta Tour
This mild little boat ride stars the Three Caballeros. The story line has Donald skipping out on a singing gig and José and Panchito searching throughout Mexico for their friend. The Gran Fiesta Tour is a very simple ride, somewhat reminiscent of it’s a small world on a more limited scale, but younger kids like it.
Food Choices at Epcot
Epcot is the food park. It has such an embarrassment of riches that it’s hard to choose.
For sit-down dining, one perennial favorite is the San Angel Inn in Mexico, which is a great place to escape on a hot sunny day. A shadowy waterway gurgles by and the scene is that of an evening marketplace, romantically dark even at high noon. Another popular spot is Chefs de France in—you guessed it—France. Here the feel is of a Parisian sidewalk café with white tablecloths and bustling waiters. Le Cellier is perhaps the most popular Epcot restaurant, due to its tasty steaks and elaborate desserts, and the Tutto Italia Ristorante in Italy serves up delicious classics. Kids enjoy the show-style teppanyaki dining at the Teppan Edo in Japan, and the food—which includes such upscale items as Kobe beef—is outstanding.
One of the greatest recent additions to Epcot dining, believe it or not, is a pizzeria. But what a pizzeria! Via Napoli has some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted and is a great lunch stop.
Not up for full-service dining? For a quick casual meal in Future World, head for the Sunshine Seasons food court in the Land, where you can choose from healthy salads, hearty sandwiches, and a variety of well-prepared ethnic dishes at different counters.
In terms of World Showcase fast food, you have plenty of possibilities. If you’re concerned about how the kids will react to unfamiliar cuisine, not to worry. On kiddie menus, the food is a nod to the country in question—for example, skewered chicken in Morocco or fish-and-chips in the United Kingdom—but the entrées are smaller and less spicy than the adult meals and look enough like chicken nuggets and fish sticks that the kids will eat them.
The Tangierine Café in Morocco has Mediterranean wraps, hummus, salads, and platters of chicken and lamb. The food is served in a pretty patio area with a perfect view of the pavilion. Don’t miss the pastry counter in the back for baklava and other honeyed delights, not to mention Turkish coffee so strong that you may set a land-speed record on your next lap around the World Showcase.
While the Tangierine Café is right in the middle of the action, the Yakitori House in Japan is tucked away in the back of the pavilion with a soothing view of the manicured gardens and koi ponds.